In Canton, Ohio, both police and school officials are troubled by the rapid rise in prescription drug abuse in the community. According to Canton Police Deputy Chief Rick Nichols, the combination of prescription drugs and the shaky economy is one that is creating challenges for law enforcement.
"Because of the economy, people’s situations are so bad, even elderly people are selling their drugs," Nichols said. "Not necessarily to kids," he added, but to other people who then, in turn, sell the drug supply to teenagers. It has become a quick and easy way to make money.
In November, three students in the Canton school system were expelled in cases that involved methadone and Vicodin abuse. But, as in many other communities throughout the country, the biggest source of prescription drugs for teenagers is their parents from their homes. Recently, the Canton police department finished a three month "prescription drug detail" that was designed to crack down on the explosion of prescription drug abuse. The increase has meant more work for law enforcement and social services.
"What we’re seeing at both the high school and middle school levels are kids stealing from their parents for some extra money," Nichols said.
The money from the drug sales of the prescription drugs becomes important to the teenagers, which only fuels the cycle of use and abuse. It is a no win situation for anyone involved. Removing the allure of prescription drugs is the ultimate goal, but that is not an easy task, when most teenagers believe the drugs are harmless because they have been prescribed by a physician.
